Local troops name Congresswoman Distinguished Citizen of the Year

Capito honored with Boy Scout award

March 8, 2013

MARTINSBURG - Jerry Mays first met Shelley Moore Capito in 1999 before she was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives from the 2nd district of West Virginia.

"She's still the same Shelley," Mays said. "The same endearing Shelley. The same lovely lady my wife and I met 14 years ago."

Thursday evening, he and several others, including her husband of 37 years, Charlie Capito, extolled the virtues of Congresswoman Capito as she accepted the Boy Scouts of America Potomac District 2013 Distinguished Citizen Award.

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Journal Photo by John McveyWas presented with a caricature, depicting her many interests and duties on capitol Hill by SAC scout executive Stuart Williams

"I hope the next time we meet, whether it's in two years or 10 years, I hope I'm still the same Shelley," Capito told the audience of about 160. "Like in the Scout oath, I just want to do my best."

The Potomac District includes Berkeley and Morgan counties. The district is part of the Shenandoah Area Council, which includes Berkeley, Jefferson and Morgan counties in West Virginia and several counties in Virginia.

"I always feel at home in Martinsburg," Capito said. "Because West Virginia is a community. Like the Scouts, it's about family. I am honored to receive the Distinguished Citizen Award. I am very appreciative."

Past Distinguished Citizen Award recipients have included the late U.S. Sen. Robert C. Byrd, U.S. Sen. Jay Rockefeller, Martinsburg Mayor George Karos, former West Virginia Delegate Vicki Douglas, Brig. Gen. V. Wayne Lloyd, United Way of the Eastern Panhandle Executive Director Jan Callen and many others.

Capito praised the Scouts for providing good development skills for young men and broad-based leadership skills. She lauded the Scouts for its dedication to God and country, and its service to the area. She said the kind of service promoted by the Scouts is what all young men and women should aspire to.

Capito, a Republican, was elected to her seventh term in the House of Representatives in November. Prior to being elected to Congress, she served two terms in the West Virginia House of Delegates. She announced last year that she would run for the U.S. Senate from West Virginia in 2014.

"Serving in Congress is an incredible honor," Capito said. "We are facing unbelievable challenges, but don't despair. When I walk up the steps of the Capitol, I feel the people who have been there before, including my father."

Arch Moore served in the House from 1957 to 1969, representing West Virginia's 1st district.

SAC Scout Executive Stuart Williams presented Capito with a caricature painting of herself depicting her many interests and duties on Capitol Hill.